Premier Issue: October 2, 2013

Editor's Letter: Ben Doyle

WOW doesn’t even come close to summing it all up! What an amazing summer here in Hampton Roads - the best one yet for me! ECSC was the highlight of the summer for us at Bonfire Magazine as we were the title sponsor with ECSC360- the digital sponsor for East Coast Surfing Championships 2013. I was given the opportunity to go out and do live video interviews with local business owners, pro surfers, vendor reps, and volunteers - Oh and not to mention being a judge for Miss ECSC - I know, I know - a tough job but somebody has to do it...

We just recently had our first of many, Bonfire Gathering photo shoots - what a show of appreciation by close friends to help us with that - we are so blessed! The support for Bonfire Magazine has been nothing short of amazing. I cannot thank everyone enough for all the love that has come our way the past few months since we announced Bonfire Magazine. Not a day goes by, that someone does not reach out to me to ask about what we are about, what are we currently doing, what is next or how they love what we are doing.

When my amazing publisher, Del Scheitler, approached me about this idea back in March there was no doubt in my mind that we had something special here. I personally believe that you don’t have be rich, to live a rich life. You can have a life full of happiness right here in Hampton Roads by taking a step back and appreciating all that this area has to offer.

For our premier issue, I decided I really wanted to spend time on what we are all about, who we are as people and hopefully connect with each of you in some way. In each issue, we want to achieve two main goals with Bonfire. 1.) Celebrate! The very essence of a bonfire is to gather up a bunch of friends andfamily and have a great time in fellowship. 2.) Inspire! We really want to help people heat up their lives and B-On-Fire!

Sprinkled throughout our premier issue are friends and family. People that have inspired us or supported us in some way. It’s truly an honor to share this experience with every one of them.

I personally feel I am living my best life. I am enjoying having a new outlet to share my passion of living a full and rich life. I love my life. I can’t help it. I do. It’s not perfect, but it is what I have made it to be.